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WFSK 88.1 FM

WFSK 88.1 FM
Fisk University

Station founded: 1973
Narrators interviewed: 9
Hours of audio preserved: 397
Station Profile WFSK Website

Located in the heart of Nashville, Fisk University’s WFSK and The John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library have partnered with the project since 2019. Over 4 visits, the project has recorded 9 oral histories, totaling over 14 hours of WFSK’s community memories. In addition, it has digitized nearly 400 hours of historic programming on 416 items.

WFSK was founded in 1973 as Nashville’s first Black-owned and operated radio station. Continuing a mission of sustainability, it currently broadcasts a Smooth and Contemporary Jazz format. WFSK’s 24/7 schedule includes the station’s flagship show, “What’s the 411? With Sharon Kay,” “Real Gospel with The X-Man,” and a range of syndicated programs. Also an affiliate of the African American Public Radio Consortium, WFSK’s commitment to community-driven engagement is exhibited in the oral histories below.

Oral Histories

Interviews archived at Jackson State University’s Margaret Walker Center

Carole Carper
Rick Durham
Sharon Kay
Xuam Lawson
Dr. Lucius T. Outlaw, Jr.
Denise Sanders

Return Ceremony & Preservation Workshop Gallery

March 31, 2026 | The John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library

Nashville Councilwoman and WFSK alum, Jennifer Gamble.
Fisk University's Director of Library Services, DeLisa M. Harris, speaking at the podium
WFSK's General Manager, Sharon Kay, speaking at the podium.
Fisk University's Director and Curator of Galleries and Assistant Professor of Art, Jamaal Sheats, speaking at the podium.
Chinyere Neal, Sharon Kay, DeLisa M. Harris, and Vincentt Craft Sutton II during the return ceremony.
WFSK return ceremony audience.
Observing ceremonial return materials.
WFSK's Sharon Kay and Xuam Lawson in the WFSK ceremonial return audience.
WFSK preservation workshop participants.
Erica S. Gilmore, Sharon Kay, and WFSK's intern holding ceremonial return materials.
HBCU RPP Fellow Dana Green outside of the Special Collections room.
Vincentt Craft Sutton II, Xuam Lawson, and Dana Green.
Ellen Pryor and Sharon Kay.
Sharon Kay and Will Tchakirides.
NEDCC's Bryce Roe and Becca Bender leading the WFSK preservation workshop.
Becca Bender presenting at the WFSK preservation workshop.
WFSK preservation workshop attendees.
Outside of the Special Collections room at Fisk University's library.
Dana Green, Vincentt Craft Sutton II, and Xuam Lawson holding the WFSK plaque and decorative box.
NEDCC's Chinyere Neal, Bryce Roe, and Becca Bender standing around a Jazzy 88 WFSK sign
Fisk University Archivist, Joshua Williams, posing with an HBCU RPP tumbler.

Return Ceremony Video

Recorded live before Fisk community members gathered to honor WFSK

Audio Montage

A collage of radio sounds and memories preserved at WFSK

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